We were lucky to catch up with Jon Taylor Sweet recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jon Taylor thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

The only reason I was able to jump into business the way I did was based off my family. I was fortunate to have two incredible examples of what it is like to run a business growing up. I grew up with a mom that was a hustler and stood her ground to build something awesome. She started with selling purses in hospitals to a 50m business. I grew up seeing the ins and outs of what she built and all I can say is I am a proud son. One lesson from her that I took from her that I use often is… “no means opportunity for the future.” It has genuinely helped me look at the person and not the transaction. Building a business is so much more than getting transactions and scaling those transactions but its getting the chance to share and live life with people. People are the lifeblood to anything we do and we can’t lose sight of that and the money will follow.

My second example is my Grandma. My Grandma has owned and operated a store for the last 40 years. So much I could say but I will leave it short. She simply taught me how to honor people well with your time. When my Grandma was in the store everyday she would never shew someone away. She would take the time to make sure you can tell your story and say what you need to say but after words she would relay her truths. Sitting with people can build relationships that can lead to having a business for a long time. When people feel valued and cared for they are so happy to tell everyone they know about you. The word of mouth business my Grandma has build is truly remarkable. An inspiration of mine.

Always my hope that everyday I can honor my Mom and Grandma with how I run my business and how I love people.

Jon Taylor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jon Taylor Sweet and I am a photographer. I have been taking photos since 2012. Jumped into full time shortly after. I went to this one year Bible school right after I graduated high school and I ran the cafe there. When I would wake up in the morning to head down to the cafe I would see the sunrise most mornings. I would snap photos on my phone and edit them and throw them on IG. From those moments at school later sparked more fire to go explore around the PNW and take photos in the beautiful landscapes I would reference God has made. Instagrams community was right in line with all that nature stuff at the time and led to so many amazing friendships and explorations along the way. Instagram catapulted me into a career in the photo world and haven’t been able to look back since. Been thankful for this journey of building a photography business. Starting in Instagram campaigns with so many companies, hundreds of weddings, ad space campaigns, music industry, and so much more. Everything I have been apart of is rooted in gratitude. Couldn’t do it without the people that have said yes to how I see the world.

Who would have thought something as simple as instagram would lead to a decade of memories and a future to make many more. I don’t want to sit here and type accolades to give myself credit to have more value for y’all as the reader. Just know that what wakes you up in the morning and brings you joy is something you should chase after. Every time I have my camera in my hand at the with or without the request of being apart of what someone else is doing excites me. To do this with purpose is simply the best.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I love this question. I think it has many tangible ways of being answered especially from business professionals who sell you on 5 step programs.

My favorite answer to this question is a cup of coffee. I know that sounds strange but what I mean by it is the simple idea of connection. When you take the time to look someone in the eye and build trust and never stop building relationships all the other things follow. I am a big believer that no one is too far out of reach and a cup of coffee is always the most easy way to invite anyone into a face to face interaction.

How does that turn into clientele? Since day one I have always let people be first and money second. The amount of opportunities that have come out of this format for me is a landslide victory over spending more time building ad maps for my photography. When people know who you are and trust you its an easy decision to be the first person on there mind when they need someone with what you do. Find someone you need to be in a room with and invite them for coffee and remember the word “no” means opportunity for the future.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Sorry if I answer this question differently then what you may have seen in the past… But when things get tight what do you do?

For me I have always bet on an inquiry a day keeps the bills paid. At least for what I do. I reach out to another person, company, agency, and so on every day. I sometimes retrace old steps too. I want people to know that I was excited about what we did or excited about what we could do. I find interests and try and paint a picture of us working together. I firmly believe it has led to some tight moments being not as stressful. When your back is against the wall you got to double down in what you know you are good at and remember what brought you into the seat you are in. I am also a realist tho. If you have to pivot in a healthy way to take care of yourself then don’t feel embarrassed. Feel empowered so you can do what you love to do everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jontaylorsweet.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jontaylorsweet
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/jontaylorsweet
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jontaylorsweet/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jontaylorsweet

Image Credits

Jon Taylor Sweet